This guide walks you through the step-by-step process of publishing your Houzi Flutter app on the GooglePlay store, from setting up your developer account to making your app live.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

• Google Play Developer Account ($25 one-time registration fee).
• App Name – A unique and engaging title.
• App Descriptions:
  • Short Description (max 80 characters).
  • Long Description (detailed features & benefits).
• App Assets:
  • App Icon (512 x 512).
  • Feature Graphic (1024 x 500).
  • At least 4 high-quality screenshots.
• Privacy Policy & Data Safety URLs – A public link outlining data collection and usage.
• Contact Email – Displayed on the Play Store listing.
• Android App Bundle (.AAB) – The new standard for Play Store submissions.
• Testers – Google requires at least 12 testers to run a 14-day closed testing before public release.
• Test Account – A login credential if your app requires authentication.

Generate the Android App Bundle (AAB)

1. Open Android Studio and load your Flutter project.
2. Ensure correct configurations:
   • Unique App ID (Package Name).
   • App Icon & Splash Screen.
   • Branding & Theme.
   • Keystore Signing (mandatory for Play Store releases).
   • Firebase Integration (for analytics, push notifications).
   • Google Cloud APIs for maps, play integrity and places apis.
3. Build the Android App Bundle (.AAB):
   • Navigate to Build > Flutter > Build App Bundle.
   • Let it compile.
   • Locate the generated .aab file inside the build/app/outputs/bundle/release/ directory.

Setting Up Google Play Console and Creating an App

1. Log in to Google Play Console.
2. Create a New App.
3. Provide:
   • App Name
   • Primary Language
   • App or Game
   • Free or Paid
   • Agree to some declarations
4. Save changes.

Preparing for Closed Testing Release

Google Requires Some Configurations Before Applying to Production

1. Privacy & Data Safety:
   • Declare what user data is collected and used.
   • Provide options for data deletion.
2. App Access:
   • If your app requires login, provide a test account.
3. Ads Declaration:
   • If your app contains ads, select Yes.
4. Content Rating:
   • Complete Google’s content rating questionnaire.
5. Target Audience:
   • Select the appropriate age group (e.g., 18+, Kids, General).
6. Some App related Declarations
   • Is it news, health, financial or education related app.
7. App category and Contact details
   • Whats your app category, and how users can contact you.
8. Store Listing Setup
   • Add app name, app icon, app banner, screenshots and save.
9. Prepare for Closed Testing.
   • Goto Test and Release > Closed Testing and
   • Create New Track or use existing Alpha track.
   • Set the Testing Countries.
   • Choose existing email list or Add Testers to new email list.
   • Upload the binary in the Release. tab.
   • Create New Release.
   • Send for review.

Waiting for Approval

• Google will review the closed testing release.
• This process takes 2-5 business days.
• If rejected, Google provides reasons to fix and resubmit.

Invite Testers to Closed Testing App

Once app is approved for closed testing. Now is the time to share link with closed testers.

1. In Google Play Console, go to Testers.
2. Add at least 12 testers if not already added.
3. Copy the link for Android app.
4. Share the link with your testers.
5. Get the app downloaded on at least 12 tester phones.

Running Closed Testing for 14 Days

• Google requires 14 days of testing before public release.
• Monitor feedback from testers.
• Address any reported bugs or crashes.
• Update the app as needed and re-upload the new .AAB file.
• Keep the 12 testers opted in for 14 days continously.
• After 14 days, you can proceed to production.

Apply to Production

Once the 14-day testing is complete, it is time to Apply for Production.

Release to Production

Once approved, you can release your app to Production.

1. In Google Play Console, go to Production > Create Release.
2. Select Google Play App Signing (recommended for security).
3. Upload your .AAB file.
4. Add Release Notes (e.g., bug fixes, new features).
5. Click Review & Submit.

Google Play Review Process

• Google reviews the app within 3-7 days.
• If rejected:
  • Review the feedback.
  • Fix the issues.
  • Resubmit the app.
• Once approved, your app is live on Google Play Store!

Congratulations!

Your Houzi Flutter App is now published on the Google Play Store. Keep improving it, monitor performance, and engage with users for long-term success!

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